Affordable birth control a hot topic for women after election

Dr. Robyn Hubbard, an OB/GYN with Grand Rapids Women's Health, says her office has seen an increase in calls from women concerned about their birth control.

Author:
Valerie Lego

Published:
6:04 PM EST November 21, 2016

Updated:
12:32 PM EST November 22, 2016

The election of Donald Trump as our next president has created a lot of fear among some Americans.

There are many women concerned that our new administration will repeal one of the most significant wins that women have seen in decades -- birth control that is completely paid for under the Affordable Care Act.

“I think there's a lot of fear and uncertainty about it." Dr. Robyn Hubbard is an OB/GYN with Grand Rapids Women's Health. She says her office has seen an increase in calls from women concerned about their birth control.

“A lot people are saying it's specifically because of the election and their fear about Obamacare being repealed and that they won't have access." Access to birth control that Hubbard says is paid for under Obamacare.

“I think that there's going to be a lot of response to that in terms of women choosing a longer acting reversible method of birth control that might get paid for now that might not get paid for in the future."

Like IUD's, which are inserted into the uterus and can last up to 12 years, "The cost can be like $800 to $1,000 for the patient, which over time is really beneficial -- but up front that can be really prohibited for people," says Hubbard. "So I loved that it leveled the playing field and allowed access for all women to contraception."

While it has yet to be seen what, if any changes will be made to Obamacare and birth control, Sexologist Dr. Megan Stubbs says women can use this opportunity to create change.

"I'm happy we're talking about birth control, that makes me happy. And women are having conversations and what are women saying 'okay I've got these concerns and what are we going to do?'" she said.

Dr. Stubbs says in addition to making a decision about long term birth control, women can make their voices heard. “So we're having these conversations, these tough conversations which is amazing, but we're going to get things done.

"Women are going to stand up and rally and say 'this is for me, this is my body and I'm not going to let someone say I can't do this.'"

Now, despite the fact that President-Elect Trump has said he would repeal Obamacare on the campaign trail, he has begun to soften his approach on some issues. Including keeping pre-existing conditions and coverage for kids under 26 on their parents' plan. It gives hope to many that the generous provisions pertaining to birth control may also remain in place.

Here are a few links for further reading about the Affordable Care Act and birth control: